Proclamation
DENNIS BITTERS
FIRE CHIEF
RIPON CONSOLIDATED FIRE DISTRICT
WHEREAS, for 42 years, Chief Bitters has dedicated himself to the highest standards of professionalism and excellence within the Ripon Fire District; and WHEREAS, Bitters started with the Ripon Fire District in 1982. He served as a volunteer firefighter for 8 years where he earned promotions to Lieutenant and Captain while becoming a State- Certified Emergency Medical Technician; and
WHEREAS, Bitters was hired in 1990 with the Ripon Consolidated Fire District and rose through the ranks promoting to Battalion Chief in 1992, Assistant Chief in 1993, and Fire Chief in 2003, where he has served for over 21 years; and
WHEREAS, Chief Bitters has demonstrated his commitment to the safety of Ripon, diligently pursuing and achieving qualifications for several positions through the California Incident Command Certification System; and
WHEREAS, Bitters has distinguished himself as a hard-working and faithful public servant, at all times committed to helping his community and performing his duties with a sense of fairness; and WHEREAS, Bitters has provided invaluable leadership and guidance to many under his leadership and within the community while serving as Fire Chief and in leadership roles throughout the State on fire and disaster response teams; and
WHEREAS, Chief Bitters will be sorely missed by colleagues and the community, but he has earned the title of Retiree.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ripon, speaking on behalf of all our people, publicly expresses our sincere appreciation to Dennis Bitters for serving as Fire Chief, his outstanding contributions to the community, maintaining the highest standards of excellence both personally and professionally and providing an example for others to follow. Accordingly, we extend our best wishes to him for many years of health and happiness in retirement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I do hereby set my hand, and cause the Corporate Seal of the City of Ripon to be affixed this 9th day of April in the year 2024.
LEO ZUBER, Mayor